Concept2 Forum

I have degenerative discs in my back and I am wondering if the rowing is placing a significant load on my spine. Does anyone
have any information on how rowing does/or does not place load on the spine and discs? I am not positive if its the
rowing that is causing the pain/stiffness or something else. Thanks for the information!

I would consult someone who is an expert concerning the physiological and biomechanical aspects of exercise. An orthopedic surgeon comes to mind but an exercise physiologist may be an even better choice. I would specifically look for someone who is familiar with the effects of rowing on the spine.

This forum is an excellent source of information concerning many details of rowing, specifically with regard to the C2. But you have a question that concerning your personal situation, only the examination by a medical expert can really answer. And since you seem to be having a problem with pain and stiffness, I wouldn't wait very long to get that consultation.

This is always difficult, in the mind: better to keep fit risking injury, or die a couch lizard's death?

Knot cutter: choose exercise forms that carry no risk. Erging with the basic precautions (technique, low drag, posture, LSS) is one of them. Freestyle swimming too I hope. And until I fell off, my bike caused me no problems at all.

More specifically, the rowing action reduces compression load on the spine, if done correctly. Just be careful lifting the boat out of the water. My experience has been that backache is caused by desks and cars, but is cured instantly by erging; apart from the advantages that exercise offers to our pipework, flexibility and general wellbeing.

My 2 cents, I do have a good bit of back trouble, can,t run of jump at all and don,t.

I do erg And even squat thought. If I watch out, its pretty ok, but if I overdo it, I have a fallback.

Erging is not directly spineloading, but more spinepulling. If you start out, use a very low drag, below 100 and start easy and short. Very slowly build the volume and pace. Keep the drag low.

The spine is a strange beast, for example I can row but I cannot Kayak or canoe, the pain is immediate.

Essentially your body will tell you if you can do it or not. Rowing is probably not the ideal exercise for you and something that's not loading it like walking or swimming would be better if rowing causes pain.

The spine is loaded when your rowing, the power is transferred via your back from your legs to the handle, there is no other way its going to get there, but depending on pace it may be no worse than walking, its all relative.

Reading & digesting this info with great interest. My lower back became painful & problematic a couple of weeks ago. Seemed like disc pressure on both sides. Slowly built up distance since January but had hard PR efforts on both the erg & skierg that resulted in the lingering pain. Took one week off of both, swimming several times during that period. It's better, certainly a reduction in pain level and was able to row an hour yesterday.
Based on this info, will lower the df from 120 to 110? and moderate effort. Nothing like slowing up a snail . Also set up a mirror to monitor technique & posture, keeping a straighter back and less over reaching. Was also looking for a rear shoxbox but looks like the company is unfortunately out of business and have not been able to locate a used one. Plan was / is to erg a full marathon around mid-July but will see...
Much like other sports, seems like the harder the effort, the more toll in injuries. In general, rowing seems to strengthen back, core and other muscles and is a great workout. Hoping moderating effort, reducing the drag & improved technique help reduce spinal pressure & lower back pain.

Yes I agree if you can row without pain then it will only strengthen your back or should I say strengthen your core muscles that help support your back.

sekitori wrote:I would consult someone who is an expert concerning the physiological and biomechanical aspects of exercise. An orthopedic surgeon comes to mind but an exercise physiologist may be an even better choice. I would specifically look for someone who is familiar with the effects of rowing on the spine.

This forum is an excellent source of information concerning many details of rowing, specifically with regard to the C2. But you have a question that concerning your personal situation, only the examination by a medical expert can really answer. And since you seem to be having a problem with pain and stiffness, I wouldn't wait very long to get that consultation.

Excellent advice, exactly what I would recommend, you definitely need to see an expert in biomechanics and spinal injuries before continuing any extreme exercise